(NAPSA) - It's no surprise that most kids go bananas for after-school snacks. So why not use the fruit to create tasty, healthful snacks that have plenty of "a-peel" with youngsters?

It's always a good idea to have bananas on hand. Not only do they make an instant snack
straight from the peel, they're good for you.

Here are some shopping and storage tips to help you make the best of bananas year round:

Full-yellow peel bananas are ready for eating right now-straight from the peel or sliced into
fruit salad, over cereal or on peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

Bananas with a speckled peel are extra-ripe and are best for adding to baked goods, or for
slicing into blender drinks, frozen or not. For example, you can whip up a delicious Pineberry
Smoothie by mixing bananas, yogurt, pineapple juice and assorted fresh berries.

Here's another twist on the old favorite: chocolate-covered, frozen banana chunks with a
choice of toppings (chopped butter brickle candy, toasted almonds or decorative sprinkles). With
just a few everyday ingredients, parents-or the kids themselves-can make up a batch of Balboa
Banana Treats at a moment's notice.

Encourage your family to think of bananas as the ultimate, nutritious "fast food."